Global Apparel Industry, Clothing Industry Resources, Apparel Business Information

Disney announced a stunning collection of apparel and accessories inspired by its upcoming feature Alice In Wonderland, Tim Burton's highly anticipated film, featuring favorite characters from the classic Lewis Carroll tales, releasing on the big screen on March 5, 2010 (U.S. theaters). Disney Consumer Products (DCP) collaborated with renowned jewelry designer, Tom Binns, leading fashion designer Sue Wong and Swarovski, the world's largest producer of cut crystals, to create an interpretive line that brings the allure and mystery of the film and characters to life.

As part of the Alice fashion experience, DCP and Bloomingdale's have joined forces to create one-of-a-kind window displays at Bloomingdale's flagship 59th Street store in New York City. The windows will feature props from the film and highlight a selection of items from the designer line including Sue Wong for Walt Disney Signature dresses and Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature jewelry. The windows at 59th street will be complemented by a special exhibit in the contemporary sportswear department on the second floor, which will feature select costumes and props detailed with information from the film.

In addition, seven Bloomingdale's stores across the U.S. including the NY flagship store will enhance their Alice In Wonderland merchandise displays with special signage and video screens that will play behind-the-scenes footage and select bonus material. The stores include Beverly Center, CA, Century City, CA, San Francisco, CA, South Coast Plaza, CA, Aventura, FL and Short Hills, NJ. The Bloomingdale's Alice In Wonderland-inspired windows and in-store displays are planned to set in early March.






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Valentine's Day is a time to show your beloved how much they mean to you and why they are so important, but the pressure to pick the right gift can be overwhelming. The Bride Show Abu Dhabi is perfectly timed to bring a wealth of romantic gift ideas for the UAE capital's couples.

Running from 10th to 13th February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will bring more than 200 exhibitors showcasing sparkling jewellery, haute couture evening gowns and abayas, handbags, beauty products, confectionary and home accessories.

The event is a one stop shop for brides-to-be planning their big day, but this year will also be the ideal place to purchase Valentine's Day presents which are not always available in the UAE. And anyone who visits the show on the final day, Saturday 13 February, wearing something red to celebrate the day of love will be permitted free entry.

Exclusively launching at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi is the exquisite lingerie line Claire D, designed by well known Lebanese television personality Claire Damaa. The high-end lingerie, never seen in the UAE before, combines silk chiffon, silk satin and lace with Tahitian fresh water pearls to produce one-of-a-kind pieces.

For those who prefer a more traditional gift, but still wish to show how much they care, Forrey & Galland, producers of haute couture chocolates should be their first visit at The Bride Show. Taking part in the Abu Dhabi event for the first time, following three successful years at the Dubai exhibition, Forrey & Galland will delight fiancés and wives.

“A box of our white chocolate rose truffles is the ideal Valentine's Day gift and one of our best sellers,” said Isabelle Jaouen, owner of Forrey & Galland, which established its boutique outlet in Dubai Mall in 2008. “A fusion of white chocolate, almonds and rose petals, it combines chocolate and flowers into a mouth watering indulgence”.

An ideal gift for the girl who has everything is a facial or beauty treatment from Kaya Skin Clinic. Beauty professionals from the well-respected dermatology skin specialists will be available to offer advice and consultancy with facials offered for all skin types.

A host of one-of-a-kind prizes will also be up for grabs. Four top quality diamonds will be given away each day of the exhibition, as well as a designer handbag, a honeymoon to Seoul for three nights, courtesy of Visit Korea, four bridal gift cards worth 1,500dhs from Silkor Laser Medical Centre and a year's membership to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club worth 4,500dhs.

Furthermore, renowned French design house Arushi will celebrate Valentine's Day by giving away a custom-made off white and pink tulle dress, the finale feature of their fashion show on Thursday 11 February at 8pm, worth AED20,000. Everyone who watches their new collection modelled on the catwalk will be eligible to enter and the dress will be ready for collection in time for Valentine's Day.

Doors open at 2:30pm on Wednesday 10 February and the event is open until 10:30pm every night until Saturday 13 February. Thursday 11 February is reserved for ladies only and children under 12 are not permitted. Entry fee is 10dhs.


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The upcoming APLF Materials Manufacturing & Technology (APLF - MM&T) takes place March 29 – 31 2010, at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Opportunities always abound in times of economic crisis. Today businesses worldwide are turning their attention to the thriving Asian market – and to China in particular.

To assist that process and to offer a professional business platform for those in the field of raw materials -- leather and other fabrics, components and machinery, together with related new technology aids -- the APLF-organised Materials Manufacturing & Technology (APLF - MM&T) in Hong Kong is a 'must attend' event.

Thanks to the combined strengths of Hong Kong's strategic positioning and APLF's longstanding experience in the industry, APLF - MM&T boasts a competitive edge in the Asia market, although its scope is international and attracts attendees from over 100 countries every year. It is no doubt a convenient and comprehensive one-stop sourcing solution for buyers.

Still over two months until the opening of its 26th edition, APLF - MM&T's 2010 participating numbers are on track to surpass those of 2009 (which amounted to 17,000 buyers and over 1000 exhibitors). “The fair is already booked to full capacity and there's a waiting list for booth space. We are currently exploring ways in which to accommodate more exhibitors,” said Perrine Ardouin, senior event manager at APLF.

APLF - MM&T sets out to present the very changes its customers seek: such as opening its doors to include a greater proportion of non-leather materials, eco-friendly options, new machinery and related software solutions, aimed to assist in achieving the common goal of greater supply chain efficiency.

Asked to choose one feature that typifies APLF - MM&T's greatest area of change, Ms. Ardouin sums it up in one word: fashion.“It's the common growth denominator across almost all product sectors,” she noted.

“Look around you and you'll see that fashion is everywhere. New materials applications, leather finishes and manufacturing process...they are all interwoven with fashion”.

For years the organisers have been working with the renowned French Committee of Colour based in Paris to develop seasonal APLF Colour and Materials Trends. Each year, the APLF - MM&T Trends Lounge introduces APLF's 4 key colour directions and presents them in harmony with a selection of leathers and fabrics from APLF - MM&T exhibitors. The upcoming fair will unveil trends for next spring and summer.


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Fidelity Denim, an internationally recognized leader in denim design, announced the early delivery of its new Super Stretch line of denim jeans produced with Fidelity's proprietary Italian made Super Stretch fabrications.

Balking a conservative, single style approach for April delivery, Fidelity is breaking away from industry standards by boldly offering a February delivery of Super Stretch in three new washes across four bodies for the premium/luxury denim market. In keeping with the company's commitment to motivate consumers to buy luxury denim in 2010, Fidelity's competitive Price-point compliments the game changing fit and comfort of Super Stretch giving hesitant consumers good reason to buy new denim.

With all the buzz surrounding stretch jeggings and skinny jeans, competitors have shown how reserved the market is by only offering one or two styles. “I can't say I blame them because jeggings and skinnies are really niche, but jeggings have also shown how much consumers are craving novel new stretch fabrics,” states Fidelity Denim designer and founder Jason Trotzuk. “The trick really is to offer a game changer with traditional denim bodies in order to lure the majority of consumers back to the stores. I believe that we have done exactly that with a heavy-weight stretch denim that doesn't just improve comfort and fit but does it in leaps and bounds. Our Super Stretch is called super for a very good reason. Once the buzz gets out, I assure you that stores and denim lovers won't be able to get enough of it. 2010 will be the year of Super Stretch.”

Unlike the light knit fabrics used in jeggings, Super Stretch, offered in two denim blends (cotton/lycra and cotton/rayon/poly), has a true 12 ounce weight with the timeless appeal of heavy denim that also shares the comfort and flex attributes more typical of performance fabrics.


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Muscle Flex Inc. announced that Kim Kardashian has partnered with Muscle Flex to endorse its sassy and sexy Muscle Flex VATA Brasil Sports and Active Wear Collection. Kim Kardashian is synonymous with style, beauty and fashion and is the perfect individual to showcase the Muscle Flex VATA Brasil Active Wear Collection.

As one of the most watched and written about women today, Kim Kardashian is very selective in the products that she chooses to endorse and ensures that their quality and styling are commensurate with her international persona. Muscle Flex Inc. is excited to work with Kim Kardashian in propelling the Muscle Flex VATA Brasil Sports and Active Wear Collection and to continue to expand its quality, styling and brand awareness.

Muscle Flex was introduced to Kim Kardashian through its public relations and marketing partner TLK Fusion. Muscle Flex CEO Danny Alex provided Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner with a selection of pieces from the collection to assess their styling feel and quality.

Kim Kardashian replied, "I have been in search for the perfect fitness gear, and Muscle Flex VATA workout wear is stylish and comfortable, perfect for my lifestyle!"

Kim Kardashian continued, "I look forward to working with Danny Alex and Muscle Flex in branding and showcasing the Muscle Flex VATA Brasil Sports and Active Wear Collection. The collection has an amazing feel, incredible fit and that sassy Brazilian flare."


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